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Kaddish Symphony (Bernstein)

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description Kaddish Symphony (Bernstein) Overview

Leonard Bernstein's Symphony No. 3, titled "Kaddish," is a large-scale orchestral and choral work composed in 1963 and revised in 1977. The piece sets the traditional Jewish mourner's prayer alongside a dramatic, original English narration written by the composer that explores a personal, agonizing dialogue with God. It is scored for a full orchestra, a mixed chorus, a boys' choir, a soprano soloist, and a speaker.

Dedicated to the memory of John F. Kennedy following his assassination, the symphony remains one of Bernstein's most explicitly religious and structurally ambitious concert works.

help Kaddish Symphony (Bernstein) FAQ

What text is used in Leonard Bernstein's Kaddish Symphony?

The symphony sets the Jewish Kaddish prayer, which is traditionally recited by mourners. Bernstein also wrote a highly personal, dramatic English text for the speaker, addressing God directly.

What is the orchestration of Bernstein's Symphony No. 3 Kaddish?

The piece is scored for a full orchestra, a mixed adult chorus, a boys choir, a soprano soloist, and a speaking narrator. The narrator's role is central to the drama, acting as the voice of humanity arguing with the divine.

When was Bernstein's Kaddish Symphony first performed?

The symphony was completed and premiered in 1963, just weeks after the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. It was commissioned by the Koussevitzky Music Foundation and debuted in Tel Aviv, Israel.

Did Bernstein revise his Kaddish Symphony after its premiere?

Yes, Bernstein revised the work significantly in 1977 to make it tighter and more dramatically effective. He also wrote alternate, less aggressive texts for the speaker, offering conductors different versions of the narrative to choose from.

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